Transitioning to Mathematics

[MGTEsq]

Hello,

 

This is a question for the professional mathematicians on this board. I want to become a mathematician. My background is in law. I would most likely be able to begin studies in the spring semester of next year. I am 25 years old. From your perspective, am I coming to mathematics too late in life? Do you have any advice to someone wanting to make the transition to math?

 

A few other questions:

 

In law, we approach problems using "legal reasoning". Legal reasoning is an approach to problem solving taught in legal schools, and learned with practice. Is there an analogous process of approaching mathematical problems along the lines of "mathematical reasoning"? Can it be learned? (I know I am oversimplifying the process, and mathematics involves a great degree of creativity; as does law, but I'm assuming there are some foundational approaches)

 

Is there anything I can study between now and next year to get a good foundation in basic mathematical processes?

 

In your experience, what is the "best" way to "learn math"?

 

I'm sure my questions come across as naive, but thanks in advance for considering my questions.

[ajb]

From your perspective, am I coming to mathematics too late in life?

It is never too late, but the reality may depend on what you mean by a professional mathematician.

 

To me it usually means work after a PhD, so typically a degree may be 3 or 4 years and then the same again for a PhD assuming you don't do a masters in between. So it can take a while and lots of hard work.

 

Is there an analogous process of approaching mathematical problems along the lines of "mathematical reasoning"?

I am not sure as mathematics covers so many diverse topics. For sure each branch of mathematics has its own starting points for reasoning. That said, the usual thing to do is try to break the problem down into parts that you do know how to solve already or can adapt the standard methods of your subject to tackle. The standards and style can vary a lot across mathematics.

 

In your experience, what is the "best" way to "learn math"?

Hard work and lots of stubbornness!

 

I never really understand something until I have tried to use it. People telling me things and reading books only gets me so far. I typically need to work hard to understand things on paper by making all the mistakes and misunderstanding it all until I get it right. Slow and painful sometimes, but that seems to be the way.

 

We do it not because it is easy, but because it is hard ;-)

[studiot]

Go visit these people, look at their website, get their literature, join up.

 

http://www.ima.org.uk/

Edited April 8, 2014 by studiot

[MGTEsq]

Thank you both for answering my questions. I have found them both informative and encouraging; consequently, I shall endeavor forward.

 

It is never too late, but the reality may depend on what you mean by a professional mathematician.

 

To me it usually means work after a PhD, so typically a degree may be 3 or 4 years and then the same again for a PhD assuming you don't do a masters in between. So it can take a while and lots of hard work.

 

Nothing is going to deter me after the intense workload of 3 years of a Juris Doctor program. Just to make sure I'm reading this correctly, mathematics isn't something that can't be learned at a later age (late 20s instead of early 20s), if someone is willing to put the effort in?

I am not sure as mathematics covers so many diverse topics. For sure each branch of mathematics has its own starting points for reasoning. That said, the usual thing to do is try to break the problem down into parts that you do know how to solve already or can adapt the standard methods of your subject to tackle. The standards and style can vary a lot across mathematics.

 

Understood

Hard work and lots of stubbornness!

 

I'm ready and willing.

I never really understand something until I have tried to use it. People telling me things and reading books only gets me so far. I typically need to work hard to understand things on paper by making all the mistakes and misunderstanding it all until I get it right. Slow and painful sometimes, but that seems to be the way.

 

You have articulated what I have been unable to articulate for years. So much for law making us better communicators.

We do it not because it is easy, but because it is hard ;-)

 

How true.

 

Go visit these people, look at their website, get their literature, join up.

 

http://www.ima.org.uk/

 

I'm finding this website most helpful.

[ajb]

Just to make sure I'm reading this correctly, mathematics isn't something that can't be learned at a later age (late 20s instead of early 20s), if someone is willing to put the effort in?

I am no expert in mathematical learning, but like most things in life if you are genuinely interested and willing to put the effort it I see no reason why one could not gain a good level of mathematical knowledge.

[imatfaal]

Nothing is going to deter me after the intense workload of 3 years of a Juris Doctor program. Just to make sure I'm reading this correctly, mathematics isn't something that can't be learned at a later age (late 20s instead of early 20s), if someone is willing to put the effort in?

Just so you don't put your foot in it -- Juris Doctor is a specific form of postgraduate degree in Law - most mathematics doctorates would be called a PhD or DPhil ie a Doctor of Philosophy (not sure anywhere awards a DMath apart from as an honorary thing)